Trail Running

Kepler Challenge

Trail Running covering 27.6 km to 60 km with up to 2,200 m D+ in Te Anau (Southland, New Zealand)

LocationTe Anau, Südland Region, New ZealandShow on map(45.4167° S, 167.7167° E)
Date & StatusDecember 5, 2026Date confirmed
Elevation gainUp to +2,200 m

Kepler Challenge is an endurance sporting event in Te Anau, Südland Region, NZ focused on Trail Running. Key features include Nature & Off-Road, Mountain, Forest, Lakes & Ponds.

The race program comprises 2 competitions, including Kepler Challenge (60 km, +2,200 m D+), and Luxmore Grunt (27.6 km, +990 m D+). The next edition is officially confirmed for December 5, 2026. Official race regulations, course details, and registration information are provided on the organizer's website (keplerchallenge.co.nz).

Official website
Kepler Challenge in Te Anau (Work: "Mount Fuji and Fog over Lake Yamanaka", Photo: Alpsdake, License: CC BY-SA 4.0, Source: Wikimedia Commons)
"Mount Fuji and Fog over Lake Yamanaka" · Photo: Alpsdake · Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0
Cropped to 16:9 (960 × 540 px), WebP · Shared under the same license

Event characteristics

Nature & Off-RoadMountainForestLakes & Ponds

Races & distances (2)

CompetitionDisciplineDistanceElevation gainAltitude rangeCourse typeCourse & profile
Kepler ChallengeTrail Running60 km+2,200 m620 m - 1,544 mLoop courseRoute & profile
Luxmore GruntTrail Running27.6 km+990 m623 m - 1,039 mLoop courseRoute & profile
Course & Elevation Telemetry

Course route & map

Distance
60 km
Elevation gain
+2,200 m D+
Elevation loss
-2,200 m D-
Altitude range
620 m - 1,544 m
Gradient (Avg / Max)
7.3 % / 13.1 %
Course format
Loop course
60 km+2,200 m D+
Start (S)Finish (F)
N1020304050FS45.4167° S, 167.7167° E

Elevation profile & course telemetry

Altitude from 620 m to 1,544 m above sea level (+2,200 m D+, -2,200 m D-)

Peak: 1,544 m·at 43.1 km·Ø 7.3 %
620 m928 m1,236 m1,544 m0 km12 km24 km36 km48 km60 km1,544 m
Event Information & Answers

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When and where does Kepler Challenge take place?

Kepler Challenge takes place in Te Anau, Südland Region, NZ (start area at coordinates 45.4167° S, 167.7167° E). The next edition is officially confirmed for December 5, 2026.

What races and distances are offered at Kepler Challenge?

The race program comprises 2 competitions, including Kepler Challenge (60 km, +2,200 m D+), and Luxmore Grunt (27.6 km, +990 m D+). The competitions belong to Trail Running.

What is the course layout and elevation profile for Kepler Challenge?

The main competition (Kepler Challenge over 60 km) is designed as a loop course featuring +2,200 m of elevation gain and -2,200 m of elevation loss, ranging between 620 m and 1,544 m above sea level. An interactive course map with route visualization, elevation profile, and GPX export is available in the course section on this page.

Where can I find registration and official race rules for Kepler Challenge?

Official race regulations, course details, and registration information are provided on the organizer's website (keplerchallenge.co.nz).